Game table for toy top

ABSTRACT

A game table for a top being formed by a single sheet of synthetic resin and having upper and lower sides that are complementary to each other in depression and protrusion, and including a bowl-shaped field on which a rotating top moves. A plurality of recesses is formed at a predetermined distance on an upper surface of an inner portion of the field or a portion peripheral to the field, and walls defining the recesses protrude downward from a lower surface of the inner portion or the peripheral portion to form legs which can sit on a support.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is based upon and claims the benefit of priority under 35 USC 119 of Japanese Patent Application No. 2016-029668 filed on Feb. 19, 2016, the entire disclosure of which, including the specification, claims, drawings and abstract, is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1, Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a game table for a top (spinning top) used for a top battle game, for example.

2. Description of Related Art

There have been conventionally performed top battle games in each of which the win and loss are determined by making a plurality of rotating tops collide with each other.

In recent years, in order to avoid dispersion of the tops and facilitate the collision of tops, dedicated game tables for tops have been used when the top battle games are performed.

An example game table for atop is formed of a single PVC sheet having a bowl-shaped field on which the rotating tops move around while spinning (refer to FIGS. 2 and 3 of Japanese Utility Model Registration No. 3199933).

The game table including such a bowl-shaped field requires a leg for stably supporting the field.

Accordingly, the peripheral portion of the field has been conventionally turned down into a U-shape over the entire circumference so that the turned portion is extended to be as high as or lower than the bottom of the field and the field is supported by an edge of the extended portion.

Unfortunately, such a structure requires a large amount of material and the material cost is increased since the peripheral portion of the field is turned down into a U-shape over the entire circumference to make the turned portion function as a leg.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention has been made in consideration of the above matters, and an object of the present invention is to provide a game table for a top that can be produced with reduced material costs.

In order to achieve at least one of the above objects, according to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a game table for a top, the game table being formed by a single sheet of synthetic resin and having such a shape that upper and lower sides are complementary to each other in depression and protrusion, and the game table including a bowl-shaped field on which a rotating top moves, wherein a plurality of recesses is formed at a predetermined distance on an upper surface of an inner portion of the field or a peripheral portion peripheral to the field, and walls defining the recesses protrude downward from a lower surface of the inner portion or the peripheral portion to form legs which are capable of sitting on a floor surface.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other objects, advantages and features of the present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description given hereinbelow and the appended drawings which are given by way of illustration only, and thus are not intended as a definition of the limits of the present invention, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a game table for tops;

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of the game table for tops;

FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view of the game table for tops cut along the line II-II of FIG. 2A;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an additional functional part;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a game table for tops and an additional functional part; and

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an additional functional part.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a game table for tops which is being used. FIG. 2A is a perspective view only showing the game table for tops. FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view of the game table for tops cut along the line II-II of FIG. 2A.

The game table for tops 100 according to one embodiment has a shape of a square with chamfered corners in a plan view. It should be understood that the game table 100 may have a circular shape or any other shape in plan view.

The game table 100 has a circular field 10 in its central region in a plan view. The field 10 is formed of a bowl-shaped recess in which the depth increases toward the center. Thus, tops 70 readily move toward the center of the game table 100 while spinning and readily collide with each other in the center of the game table 100. As long as the field 10 is bowl-shaped on the whole, the field 10 may further have a bowl-shaped recess in the bowl-shaped recess. The deepest region of the field 10 may be formed off the center.

The peripheral portion peripheral to the field 10 is a flat portion 11. The flat portion 11 has triangular recesses 12 at its respective four corners in a plan view, each of the recesses 12 having chamfered corners. The recess 12 located in the front is not shown in the drawings. Each of the recesses 12 is formed to have a size capable of catching at least one top 70. Though the recesses 12 are formed in the flat portion 11 in this embodiment, all or a part of the recesses 12 may be formed in the field 10. By forming a recess 12 in the field 10, it is possible to catch at least one top 70 moving on the field 10. The recesses 12 can be used not only as pit traps, but also for storing the top(s) 70. The peripheral portion peripheral to the field 10 need not be flat, and may be slanted or uneven. Each of the recesses 12 may have any shape other than a triangular shape in a plan view, and may have a quadrangular or circular shape in a plan view, for example.

The game table 100 is formed of a single sheet of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) resin, for example. With reference to FIG. 2B, the upper and lower sides of the game table 100 are complementary to each other in depression and protrusion. That is, a protrusion on the upper side is a depression on the lower side. Conversely, a depression on the upper side is a protrusion on the lower side.

Thus, the peripheral walls and the bottom walls defining the recesses 12 in the flat portion 11 protrude downward to form protrusions on the lower side. The protrusions function as legs 13 of the game table 100. The bottom surfaces of the legs 13 are located as high as or lower than the bottom of the field 10. The field 10 is supported by the legs 13 in general use.

With reference to FIG. 2A, the flat portion 11 has two circular holes 14 disposed at a predetermined distance between each two adjacent recesses 12, 12. The holes 14 are used for fixing additional functional parts to the game table 100. It should be noted that the holes 14 may have any shape other than a circular shape, and may have a polygonal shape, for example.

FIG. 1 illustrates exemplary additional functional parts having different structures.

A first additional functional part 15 consists of two pillars 15 a, 15 a and a strip plate 15 c bridging between the pillars 15 a, 15 a, the strip plate 15 c being provided with multiple conical nubs 15 b. The bottom ends of the two pillars 15 a, 15 a of the additional functional part 15 are inserted in the holes 14, 14 and fixed to the bottom portion of the flat portion 11 with fixtures, if needed. The additional functional part 15 can reduce the spin speeds of the tops 70 and change the moving directions of the tops 70 when the tops 70 collide with the conical nubs 15 b.

A second additional functional part 16 consists of two pillars 16 a, 16 a and a pole 16 b bridging between the two pillars 16 a, 16 a. The process for fixing the additional functional part 16 is the same as that for the first additional functional part 15. The additional functional part 16 also can reduce the spin speeds of the tops 70 and change the moving directions of the tops 70 when the tops 70 collide with the pole 16 c.

A third additional functional part 17 consists of a single pillar 17 a provided with a rotary member 17 b. The process for fixing the additional functional part 17 is the same as that for the first additional functional part 15. The rotary member 17 b may be rotatable in a predetermined angular range or may be held at a neutral position with a torsional spring. The additional functional part 17 also can reduce the spin speeds of the tops 70 and change the moving directions of the tops 70 when the tops 70 collide with the rotary member 17 b.

Another additional functional part may consist of a single pillar. The additional functional part can also reduce the spin speeds of the tops 70 and change the moving directions of the tops 70 at the collision with the tops 70. Still another additional functional part may be provided with a motor or a spring power unit for rotating the pillar 17 a and the rotary member 17 b. Still another additional functional part may have a unit for moving up and down a longitudinal rotary member such as a hammer. Still another additional functional part may be provided with a pole having lighting and sound functions, for example.

A fence 20 surrounding the field 10 and the flat portion 11 is formed on the outer side of the flat portion 11. The upper end of the fence 20 is outwardly turned down into a U-shape. The upper end of the fence 20 thus has a certain thickness. By fixing a finger in the portion outwardly turned down, the user can lift and transport the game table 100 easily. In addition, the turned portion can increase the strength of the game table 100. The fence 20 does not necessarily surround the entire circumference of the field 10, and may surround a part of the circumference of the field 10. In a case where the fence 20 is partially cut out, an additional functional part such as a slope for sliding the tops 70 may be fixed in the cut-out portion.

The upper edge of the fence 20 has four pairs of depressions 21 disposed at a predetermined distance. The depressions 21 are used for fixing an additional functional part 22 to the fence 20 with a hook 23 illustrated in FIG. 3, for example. Although the additional functional part 22 can be fixed to the fence 20 having no depression 21, the depression 21 can fix the position of the additional functional part 22. Examples of the additional functional part 22 include a liquid crystal display and a speaker. The additional functional part 22 may be a frame for holding a smartphone, for example. The upper edge of the fence 20 is depressed downward in this embodiment; however, the upper edge of the fence 20 may be depressed outward relative to the game table 100. Alternatively, the additional functional part 22 may be fitted in the depression 21 so as to be fixed to the fence 20.

FIG. 4 illustrates additional functional parts 40 as another additional functional part. Each of the additional functional parts 40 is configured to be fixed to the bottom portion of the game table 100. The additional functional part 40 has a flat top side 40 a and a bottom portion having an inverted-triangular shape. The top side 40 a has two vertical projections 40 b, 40 b. The additional functional part 40 is fixed to the game table 100 by inserting the projections 40 b, 40 b in the respective holes 14, 14 from below and fixing fixtures 41 such as concave members or nuts to the top ends of the projections 40 b, 40 b. After the fixing of the additional functional parts 40, the bottom ends of the additional functional parts 40 project downward to be lower than the bottom sides of the legs 13, to allow the game table 100 to swing about supporting points which are the bottom ends of the additional functional parts 40. The swinging movement of the game table 100 can bring variations in the play with the tops. The bottom portions of the additional functional parts 40 may have an arcuate shape bulging downward.

FIG. 5 illustrates another additional functional part 50. The additional functional part 50 is a frame for holding a portable terminal 51 such as a smartphone having a display. The additional functional part 50 is provided with two sandwiching members 50 a, 50 a to sandwich the portable terminal 51 therebetween, the sandwiching members 50 a, 50 a being movable so as to be closer to and farther from each other. The additional functional part 50 also includes two prismatic members 50 b, 50 b on its opposite ends, each of the prismatic members 50 b, 50 b having two projections 50 c, 50 c. The additional functional part 50 is fixed to the game table 100 by inserting the projections 50 c in the respective holes 14 from below, and fixing fixtures 52 such as concave members or nuts to the top ends of the projections 50 c. In a case where the field 10 is composed of a transparent material, the portable terminal 51 may be set below the transparent field 10 by using the additional functional part 50. By such configuration, the image appearing on the portable terminal 51 can be visible through the transparent field 10. In addition, sounds suitable for the atmosphere of the moment can be produced from the speaker of the portable terminal 51. In a case where the portable terminal 51 is provided with a camera, collision sounds may be produced and shooting power may be displayed by recognizing the movement of the tops 70 with the camera. In a case where the portable terminal 51 is provided with an acceleration sensor, display and sounds may be output according to the battle by detecting the vibration of the bottom of the stadium.

Although embodiments of the present invention have been described, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the invention.

For example, each top 70 may include a magnetic material such as a permanent magnet, and an additional functional part such as an electromagnetic coil and a permanent magnet may be provided to the fence, to reduce the spin speed of top 70 and move the top 70 toward the inside of the field 10 by the repulsive force.

According to one aspect of a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a game table for a top, the game table being formed by a single sheet of synthetic resin and having such a shape that upper and lower sides are complementary to each other in depression and protrusion, and the game table including a bowl-shaped field on which a rotating top moves, wherein a plurality of recesses is formed at a predetermined distance on an upper surface of an inner portion of the field or a peripheral portion peripheral to the field, and walls defining the recesses protrude downward from a lower surface of the inner portion or the peripheral portion to form legs which are capable of sitting on a floor surface.

According to the above game table for a top, the walls defining the recesses on the upper surface of inner portion of the field or the peripheral portion peripheral to the field protrude downward from the lower surface to form legs. Such a structure eliminates the need for turning down the entire periphery of the field into a U-shape to form legs, resulting in a reduction of material.

Preferably, each of the recesses has a size capable of catching at least one top.

Thus, since each of the recesses has a size capable of catching at least one top, such recesses can be used for storing the tops and also as pit traps during the play.

Preferably, the peripheral portion has a hole for fixing an additional functional part.

Thus, various additional functional parts can be fixed by using the hole.

Preferably, a fence is formed on an outer side of the peripheral portion.

Thus, the fence can prevent the tops from falling out of the game table.

Preferably, an upper end of the fence is outwardly turned down into a U-shape.

Thus, the upper end of the fence which is turned into a U-shape increases the strength of the game table and facilitates transport of the game table.

Preferably, a depression for fixing an additional functional part is formed on an upper edge of the fence.

Thus, various additional functional parts can be fixed by using the depression on the upper edge of the fence. 

1.-7. (canceled)
 8. A game table for playing a game of toy tops, comprising: a field having an upper surface and an opposite lower surface, a bowl having an outer periphery, an outer portion of the field having an inner periphery contacting the outer periphery of the bowl, and an outer periphery, a plurality of recesses formed in the field, wherein each of the recesses defines, on the upper surface of the field, an upwardly opening receptacle and, on the lower surface of the field, a downwardly extending leg to support the game table; and a fence having an inner surface and an outer surface, which fence extends upwardly from at least a portion of the outer periphery of the outer portion of the field, wherein the field and the fence are formed of a single sheet of synthetic resin, wherein the upper and lower surfaces of the field and the inner and outer surfaces of the fence, respectively, are complementary to each other in regard to depression and protrusion, and wherein, when the game is being played, each of the toy tops can rotate on the field and against the inner surface of the fence, can be trapped by any of the plurality of the recesses, and, when the game is not being played, each of the toy tops can be stored in any one of the receptacles.
 9. The game table according to claim 8, wherein the outer portion of the field also includes at least one opening for receiving an accessory for the game table.
 10. The game table according to claim 8, wherein an upper end of the wall extends outwardly and forms an inverted, substantially U-shape.
 11. The game table according to claim 8, wherein an upper edge of the fence includes an opening for receiving an accessory for the game table.
 12. The game table according to claim 8, wherein the bowl is circular.
 13. The game table according to claim 8, wherein a depth of the bowl is greatest at a center of the bowl.
 14. The game table according to claim 13, further comprising: at least one of the recesses is formed in the bowl.
 15. The game table according to claim 8, wherein each of the recesses can receive a plurality of the toy tops.
 16. The game table according to claim 8, wherein each of the recesses can trap a plurality of the toy tops.
 17. The game table according to claim 9, wherein the at least one opening is two spaced holes, and the accessory is two posts inserted into the holes, respectively, and a strip extends between the posts, which strip can contact each of the rotating toy tops during the game.
 18. The game table according to claim 9, wherein the at least one opening receives a movable member.
 19. The game table according to claim 11, wherein the accessory is one of a liquid crystal display operatively connected to the game table.
 20. The game table according to claim 11, wherein the accessory is a speaker operatively connected to the game table.
 21. The game table according to claim 9, wherein each leg has a first length, a projection is received by the at least one hole extending downwardly from the outer portion of the field, and the projection has a length that is longer than the first length.
 22. The game table according to claim 8, wherein the outer portion of the field is flat and is coplanar with a plane including the outer periphery of the bowl.
 23. The game table according to claim 8 wherein each of the recesses is one of triangular, circular or quadrangular in plan view.
 24. The game table according to claim 23, wherein the flat outer portion is skewed relative to a plane including the outer periphery of the bowl.
 25. The game table according to claim 9, wherein the accessory is a pillar.
 26. The game table according to claim 18, wherein the pillar one of rotates or moves up and down relative to the outer portion of the field.
 27. The game table according to claim 9, wherein the accessory is one of illuminated or sound-producing.
 28. The game table according to claim 8, wherein the fence entirely surrounds the outer portion of the field.
 29. The game table according to claim 8, wherein the entire field is transparent.
 30. The game table according to claim 9, wherein the receptacle receives a support for a smart phone, wherein the bowl is transparent, and wherein the Smartphone can be through the bowl from above by a user of the game table.
 31. The game table according to claim 8, further comprising: a magnetic material on the fence to one of attract or repel a toy top having a magnetic material. 